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Malaysia could reopen borders soon

Feb 09, 2022

More needs to be done before the government can fully reopen Malaysia’s borders.

The Defence Minister says reopening our borders is a big decision to make, especially as it involves countries with bilateral relations whose borders are still closed to Malaysians.

As such, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein says the matter will first be discussed by the Health Ministry, Immigration Department, and Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry.

He was responding to the National Recovery Council’s proposal to fully reopen our borders by as early as next month, while also doing away with mandatory quarantine rules.

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New COVID-19 SOPs for umrah pilgrims

Starting Monday, those set to perform umrah must take the COVID-19 booster shot, as part of new SOPs.

The Defence Minister says pilgrims will also be allowed to undergo quarantine at home without having to submit the Home Quarantine Application.

Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein adds that pilgrims who depart before the new rules take effect, are subject to existing SOPs.

However, they must comply with the new guidelines upon returning to Malaysia.

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Malaysia doing better against Omicron

Malaysia is doing better in dealing with Omicron compared to the previous COVID-19 Delta wave in July.

It’s thanks to the wide vaccination and booster dose uptake.

The Health Ministry says they have helped lower the hospitalisation, ICU, and death rates, despite the surge in new cases recently.